WO learned
doctors are angrily discussing the nature of food, and
allowing their meal to lie untasted, while a simple
countryman is eating as heartily as he can of that which is
set before him. The religious world is full of quibblers,
critics, and sceptics, who, like the doctors, fight over
Christianity without profit either to themselves or others;
those are far happier who imitate the farmer and feed upon
the Word of God, which is the true food of the soul. Luther's
prayer was, "From nice questions the Lord deliver us."
Questioning with honesty and candour is not to be condemned,
when the object is to "prove all things, and hold fast that
which is good;" but to treat revelation as if it were a
football to be kicked from man to man is irreverence, if not
worse. Seek the true faith, by all manner of means, but do
not spend a whole life in finding it, lest you be like a
workman who wastes the whole day in looking for his tools.
Hear the true Word of God; lay hold upon it, and spend your
days not in raising hard questions, but in feasting upon
precious truth.It is, no doubt, very
important to settle the point of General or Particular
Redemption; but for unconverted men, the chief matter is to
look to the Redeemer on the cross with the eye of faith.
Election is a doctrine about which there is much discussion,
but he who has made his election sure, finds it a very sweet
morsel. Final perseverance has been fought about in all time;
but he who by grace continues to rest in Jesus to the end,
knows the true enjoyment of it. Reader, argue, if you please,
but remember that believing in the Lord Jesus gives
infinitely more enjoyment than disputing can ever afford you.
If you are unsaved, your only business is with the great
command, "Believe!" and even if you have passed from death
unto life, it is better to commune with Jesus than to discuss
doubtful questions. When Melancthon's mother asked him what
she must believe amidst so many disputes, he, knowing her to
be trusting to Jesus in a simple-hearted manner, replied, "Go
on, mother, to believe and pray as you have done, and do not
trouble yourself about controversy." So say we to all
troubled souls, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for
him."